Kshudiram Tudu, a 55-year-old first-time MLA from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has joined the Cabinet of West Bengal's first BJP government after defeating Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Tanushree Hansda. Tudu took his oath in his native Santhal language at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, marking a significant moment for tribal representation in the state government. His election from the Scheduled Tribe-reserved Ranibandh constituency in Bankura district is seen as a testament to the BJP's success in the tribal-dominated Junglemahal region. A senior party leader noted that Tudu's inclusion in the Cabinet reflects the BJP's efforts to strengthen its ties with tribal voters, demonstrating a growing reliance on grassroots leaders in the Bankura, Purulia, and Jhargram areas. Tudu is a graduate with no criminal cases against him, maintaining a low profile in his political career.